The Simple Wild

Calla Fletcher wasn’t even two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when Calla learns that Wren’s days may be numbered, she knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born.

She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this rugged environment, Jonah—the unkempt, obnoxious, and proud Alaskan pilot who helps keep her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild.

Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. Soon, she finds herself forming an unexpected bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago. It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.

Every time. Almost every time I pick up a K.A. Tucker book, I have the distinct feeling that I am going to end up on the other side loving it. That it will be the most relatable story and I will be the first person in line (theoretically of course, I hate waiting in line) for her next book.

The Simple Wild … exceeded all of my expectations.

Im teary-eyed as I’m writing this review.

Okay let’s get into it.

Jonah hands down is my favorite character. That’s it period. He’s blunt, often sarcastic, hilariously witty and is the living embodiment of the Alaskan Yeti (at least according to Calla). But he has a big heart and loves his adopted Alaskan family fiercely. As the story progressed, I found myself wanting to know more about Jonah specifically. His previous family life, past relationships, what he was before becoming a bush pilot. I wanted to sit in Jonah 101 and get to know him. For the first time, in a long while, I wasn’t interested in the handsome well built new adult contemporary guy as a love interest (for myself lol) and more as one of the main characters.

Calla annoyed me the first half of the book. Her entitled, snobby, city-girl attitude made ME want to punch her in the face as much as Jonah did. And I am a proud NYC girl. I couldn’t stand her prattling on about hair makeup, expensive clothes. I mean jeez girl get a grip. She started to grow on me though, eventually, and became one of my favorite characters by the end of the book. Now that’s character development.

Wren and Simon, Father and Step-father. I have a more personal reason for loving them. The two remind me of the most important person in my life.

Tucker you did it again. She created a story with a setting that is in no way shape or form similar to the places I’ve lived and made it one of the most relatable pieces of literature I’ve read this year. She certainly stirred up past and current wounds, and brought forth joy, happiness and the importance of family.